Prague’s smallest expats have a new play-based path to preschool

The struggle to find the perfect Preschool environment is real in Prague. Along with navigating through the typical school search woes—like language barriers, waitlists, and confusing, ever-changing educational legislation—finding a program tailored to your child’s learning needs can feel like an extra challenge for expat families adapting to a new culture.

To combat these issues, Park Lane International School will soon offer parents and carers even more options for their little ones, launching a new program that supports early childhood development through play-based learning.  

Starting in September, the Nessie English Preschool campus in Smíchov will help youngsters grow through social interaction and sensory exploration. Dubbed Tiny Tots, the program will be open to families with children aged 1 and 2.

“It’s more than just childcare,” says Joe Eyles, Whole School Vice Principal and Head of Primary and Early Years Foundation Stage. Better known as "Mr. Joe" on campus, he adds that the new program is about "building curiosity and confidence.”

Children learn best through play, according to research from The LEGO Foundation. These experts in the art of play spend their days understanding the scientific role of play-based learning and how it impacts development in early childhood especially.

Their findings show that play ”helps children hone holistic skills for a holistic world” and can enhance creative, social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development from a young age. These align with Park Lane’s commitment to supporting key factors in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, which focuses on important developmental milestones within a child’s first five years, like early language use, pretend play, and fine motor skills.

Park Lane has rapidly expanded its EYFS offer over the last several years, starting with its popular parent-and-toddler play groups. The 90-minute sessions, held at the Nessie campus, offer various experiences like messy play, mud kitchens, and garden time in the nature nook, along with stories, role-play, and songs. 

According to Mr. Joe, these groups helped lay the foundation for Tiny Tots, based on high demand for a “nurturing, structured and play-based environment for children as young as 1 year old.” The new program will support early integration into their existing international school community, comprising both British and Czech Early Years curricula.

Tiny Tots enrollees will have plenty of playtime, balanced with routines that will set them up for success later on. Structured mornings include circle time with age-appropriate songs and weather charts, creative sensory activities like painting or playdough, and outdoor discovery opportunities that spark movement and imagination—backdropped by Prague’s inspiring urban setting.

Building community and a nurturing environment are essential; children will be encouraged to develop independence throughout the day. Their daily routine is designed to provide a secure and joyful environment, from self-feeding during snack and lunchtime to joining in group songs and stories.

“We believe our tailored approach offers a much clearer picture of how the child will benefit from our environment,” explains Mr. Joe. “Little ones can explore the world at their own pace, in a safe space with age-related and child-centered resources.”  

The future looks bright for Tiny Tots graduates, who can smoothly transition into Park Lane’s Early Years Preschool program before moving on to its Primary and Secondary schools. “This continuity brings both reassurance for parents and carers, and a strong sense of belonging for children as they grow and thrive,” emphasizes Mr. Joe. 

Registration is ongoing. Interested parents and carers can schedule individual visits to tour the classroom, meet Mr. Joe and his team, and discuss the program in more detail.